How to Determine the Correct Weight Distribution System for Boat Trailer
Question:
Looking to purchase a weight distribution hitch WDH for a boat with surge brakes. Boat weighs just under 10,000 lbs. Could a 10,000 lb wdh be used or would I need higher like 12k? Also, what tongue adapter would I need?
asked by: Matt
Expert Reply:
You would not want to use the weight of your boat to determine the best weight distribution system for you. In order to choose the right system, you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go boat trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. To determine your trailer's loaded tongue weight you can use a scale such as the etrailer # 99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you.
From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity. I've added a link to our page with each of our weight distribution systems that are compatible with surge brakes for you to come back to once you determine your TTW.
In regards to the tongue adapter it depends on the system you get. For example # EQ95-01-5950 would be the correct pole tongue adapter for an Equal-i-zer system such as # EQ37120ET while the # RP58393 would work with Reese systems such as the Steadi-Flex # RP66560. Keep in mind that depending on your trailer's design an adapter can change your ability to put the spring bar brackets where they need to fit.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Pole Tongue Adapters
- Reese
more information >
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12K GTW, 1.2K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Pole Tongue Adapters
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
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